This is a bit sad isn't it? The very last Production Diary for King Kong we will ever see. Peter takes us back full circle to the very spot where we started the Diaries on Day 1. The props, crew and cameras are all gone now, but the film is yours to enjoy. Take a look at the Wellington red carpet coverage, and the many cast and crewmembers who make their final goodbyes. My thanks go out to Michael Pellerin, David Rodriguez, Kevin Shukur, Melissa Booth, Eddie Egan, Leigh, Jan, Chris, and of course Peter for making this groundbreaking choice of providing exclusive content to the fans. And so, for the last time...Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 9Mb] [QT4 320x176px 17Mb] [QT6 480x264px 22Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Bright lights, Big city. Peter and his crew were in New York City for the big premiere of King Kong, this second to last PPD focuses on the grueling press junkets and the hype up to the release of the film. The cast have re-teamed for these junkets, where hundreds of press from around the world sit in and ask them questions over and over. The premiere party preparations are also seen, how the thousands of tickets are dished out to various people, and the politics behind getting the tickets (I must have angered someone because my tickets were for a nosebleed theatre across the street and up several floors from EVERYONE else on KongisKing, they got to actually sit with PJ, Naomi and Jack Black...-Xo). They also show us the after-party and the special VIP room. Some great shots of all the cast and crew, people like Bob Burns, Will Farrel, Donald Trump and other special guests from that night last week. Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 13Mb] [QT6 480x264px 16Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

And don't miss our latest addition to the Kong History section, a 360 turnaround of the Kong Model! [Kong History]

Two weeks left to go with Peter Jackson and his crew now in New York for the big premiere. Peter is preparing for the media junkets next week, a sometimes grueling process of answering question after question for various media outlets around the world. He decides to answer some for us as practice! Take a look at his answers to some very interesting questions put forth by you guys...enjoy! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 13Mb] [QT6 480x264px 16Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

And don't miss our latest addition to the Kong History section, a 360 turnaround of the Kong Model! [Kong History]

With 3 weeks left until the film opens Peter and his crews are left with not much to do, Peter has decided to take a 2 and 1/2 week break and go scuba diving while he gives his entire crew time off to sleep and drink tequila...NOT! The crew are working DOUBLE-TIME to get the final 3 reels of film ready for mass production in facilities around the globe. The sound and SFX teams are close to the goal-line as the film slowly comes together. We get to see the final penultimate reels being sent off to copy companies worldwide, and the process that is involved in making sure what is being sent off is the EXACT version of the film PJ intends to public to see. This very weekend is the deadline the production team has to meet to get the film out, after that Peter and the gang are off to NYC (so are many of us fans!) to do press and answer some of YOUR questions for us on this very space. Stay Tuned! [QT6 240x132px 8Mb] [QT4 320x176px 15Mb] [QT6 480x264px 19Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

And don't miss our latest addition to the Kong History section, a 360 turnaround of the Kong Model! [Kong History]

James Newton Howard and Peter Jackson are working hard on the King Kong score with 4 weeks left to go. James Howard and his 'King Kong Roadshow' are in and around LA recording the score as it trickles out of his mind and onto paper. These musicians have to be on top of their game to be able to learn this music very very fast. We get some great sound-bytes from the recoding sessions and a look at some of the interesting instruments James is using for his score. 4 weeks to go and the pressure is on! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 14Mb] [QT6 480x264px 18Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

And don't miss our latest addition to the Kong History section, a 360 turnaround of the Kong Model! [Kong History]

Here is one PPD I'd never thought we'd see, James Newton Howard on the Kong score! James and his team have been working long and HARD in this short time to create the Kong score. Working out of LA the production has had to make due with recording dates spread out in various studios in Hollywood. James is writing music from 9 to 2..AM! This PD shows some GREAT musical cues and scenes from the film, we get to see some of the instruments being used in the score, and we know what has been recorded so far! Check it out! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 13Mb] [QT6 480x264px 17Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

And don't miss our latest addition to the Kong History section, a 360 turnaround of the Kong Model! [Kong History]

Welcome to 'The Mix: Part 2', with 6 weeks to go Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick, Chris Boyes again let us peek into the fascinating work in the sound mixing department. Chris shows us around his toy, the Mix Console (it deserves capital letters), this massive piece of hardware looks like it belongs on the Enterprise. Along with more mixers, re-mixers, and a ton of other stuff I have no idea what to call, Chris must piece together every aspect of sound. Chris works in 3 dimensions to make sure the sound experience you hear while watching the movie is as realistic as possible. Some great new dialog and scenes here, as well as snippets from the 'newly mixed score'!!! Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 13Mb] [QT6 480x264px 16Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

And don't miss our latest addition to the Kong History section, a 360 turnaround of the Kong Model! [Kong History]

With 7 weeks to go we are shown 'The Mix' Part 1 featuring Chris Boyes, Ethan Van der Ryn, Michael Hedges & Michael Semanick. These 4 men are in charge of mixing Kong's sound together, the special effects, dialog and music all have to weave in and out to form a cohesive mix of sound that is both pleasing to the audience, and effective enough to work alongside with the visuals in the film. We get to see some great footage in all stages here, from finished work to blue-screen shots...and some great T-rex footage too! Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 11Mb] [QT6 480x264px 14Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Kong is King! Or at least the '33 model is treated like one at the Wellywood studios in New Zealand. Bob Burns and his wife visit the production with a very special guest, the original King Kong model. The Burns' get to shoot a special cameo for the 2005 film (also Peter's final live action shot) and the model makes its way around the studio...easily distracting everyone in sight. Then something very VERY special happens...I am not going to spoil it for you...you'll have to see for yourself! Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 11Mb] [QT6 480x264px 14Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

And don't miss our latest addition to the Kong History section, a 360 turnaround of the Kong Model! [Kong History]

Alex Funke takes us on a tour of the miniatures stages, still in full swing with only 9 weeks to go before the movie is released. Alex gives us some fascinating insights into making miniature shots look 'real', while they are real in the technical sense, they are after all only miniatures, and some work needs to be done to give them that sense of scale. Some great SFX shots here of The Wall, and Skull Island in general, look at that fire scene...wonder what is going on there! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 13Mb] [QT6 480x264px 16Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Here is part 2 of 'Bringing Kong to Life', the animation department shows us how they use their creative imagination to animate creatures such as the T-Rex and Kong. Some of these silly characters (the animators) act out performances to get the feel right, while others have mirrors next to their monitors to look at themselves (and people say I'm vain). This all leads me to the conclusion that the animation department is probably a very surreal place...sounds like fun![QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

11 weeks to go and the motion capture department is working hard to capture Kong's smallest gestures using Andy Serkis as a template. When motion capture (mocap) is not subtle enough the animators are called in to fill in the missing bits, keep an eye out for some cool previs shots of Kong in Times Square, some mocap wranglers going for a bit of a ride, '21' year old Andy Serkis and rows upon rows of PCs! How many gigaflops does it take to make Kong? [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

With 12 weeks to go the color grading department is working full tilt on getting the right 'look' of the film. Color grading, used almost throughout 'Lord of the Rings' is an interesting process, we get to see some great examples of how it works on a few scenes with Naomi Watts, Colin Hanks & Adrien Brody. On the pure fanboy side of things we get to see some great (if small) shots from the film! Skull Island, New York, the Venture and more! Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 14Mb] [QT6 480x264px 17Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Howard Shore score! Howard Shore score! I can hardly contain my excitement over this PPD! Howard Shore (sans retro cool glasses...what is it the 'thing' now to go without glasses?!) down in New Zealand with PJ working on the Kong score!! The production team have taken over the NZSO concert hall and retro-fitted a recording studio and soundstage. Take a LISTEN to a few small seconds of the Kong score! They are recording this thing RIGHT NOW...as you read this! Someone get a mop for my drool!! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 14Mb] [QT6 480x264px 18Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Wow...just...wow..that is all I can say about this weeks PPD...digital doubles! PJ gives us a quick lesson on how a digital double is made, how the digital teams go from scans to (naughty naked) computer models to fully rendered, photo-realistic digital versions of the actors! Watch Naomi's double walk on a computer screen with eerie realistic movement..amazing. Some great shots from the film as well, Kong running and jumping and throwing..really great stuff! 'Ok, I've been cloned...I'm going to lunch!' Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 13Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

15 weeks to go and the Foley artists are knee deep in mud working on all Foley effects. What is a Foley Artist? These folks are responsible for 99% of the sounds you hear in a movie...ANY sound, from the most mundane coffee cup to the eerie sounds deep inside skull island. They have a ton of creative ways to re-create these sounds, and use everything (including the kitchen sink) at their disposal to achieve it. Take a look! (I want that Venture ship wheel!) [QT6 240x132px 5Mb] [QT4 320x176px 11Mb] [QT6 480x264px 13Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Like Photoshopping? Well then this is the PPD for you! PJ introduces us to the rotoscoping artists working on King Kong. These guys and gals are the ones who intricately remove all the 'real world' stuff that is in a shot. They also paint over things that need to disappear to make the movie as realistic as possible. We get to see some amazing blue and green screen footage, lots of running and falling shots of Naomi Watts, and a super close-up of Jack Black's head (no whale for you Jack). [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 11Mb] [QT6 480x264px 14Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

You didn't think we forgot you did you? With 17 weeks left to go the model making department is still in full swing recreating skull island at one twelfth scale. Paul Van Ommen introduces us to his gonzo gang of model technicians and gives us some insight on what it takes to scale down trees, plants, dirt, even moss! You'll never look at a garden the same way again! Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 14Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

With 18 weeks to go Colin Hanks introduces us to the ADR studio in Wellywood. As explained in this PPD ADR is the process in which the actors must record a new audio track over their own performance. Queen of the Geeks Philippa Boyens makes a rare PPD appearance and gives us more information about the process. Colin Hanks shows us his many 'breath' lines and we get some great little scenes from the film featuring Hanks, Jack Black, Thomas Kretschmann and others! Hold your breath, say 'yup' a few million times and here we go! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 13Mb] [QT6 480x264px 18Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Pick Ups continue and the whole gang is shooting Skull Island scenes inside one of the Wellywood studios. PJ is in a jovial mood and scoots around the set like a kid in a candy shop. We get an insiders view of the Script Supervisor's job, and the details that the continuity teams need to keep at hand when shooting the same scenes months apart. Jack Black and Andy Serkis take it upon themselves to work on a wardrobe malfunction. And we get to see more shots of Adrien Brody in his cage..or THE cage..from now on known as the Brody Box. [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 11Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

They're baaaack! Almost all the cast and crew are back in New Zealand for the pick up shoot this week. Day one gets off to a roaring start as the gang are quickly hustled from the airport to the dressing room and off to Skull Island. Spotted on set are Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Andy Serkis, Jamie Bell, Evan Parke, Jed Brophy and more! We get to see some of the extra goodies they are shooting, Bell serves Brody dinner..in a cell? A close-up of Bell in what looks like the infamous 'log' scene. Plenty more jungle goodness with the Venture crew and more! Has it really been three years Jack? [QT6 240x132px 5Mb] [QT4 320x176px 9Mb] [QT6 480x264px 12Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Peter Jackson and his crew are preparing for pick up shooting. Costumes, Make-up, the Art Department, Greens, Props and more are being prepared. Sets are being re-created in small, compact versions of their previous main shooting incarnations. Skull Island sets next to the SS Venture, Anne Darrow's room next to a poop infested animal cage...it's controlled chaos! Behind it all PJ's team prepares with a quick game of '9-Square' (seems like a hopscotch and dodge ball love-child), take a look..and get ready...the cast and crew are heading back to Skull island again! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 16Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Elementary my dear Watson (or Jackson)! Marc Ashton, Main Unit 2nd Assistant Director, takes us on a tour of the WETA Digital soundstage being used to film elements for King Kong...what is an element? Watch the PPD and find out! Who needs 100% CGI when you can smash wood, rocks, dirt, plants and other items with cricket bats, golf clubs and more! Take a look! And listen closely at the very end of this PPD for some exciting news about...pick up shooting! [QT6 240x132px 5Mb] [QT4 320x176px 9Mb] [QT6 480x264px 11Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

With 23 weeks to go the sound editing department are working harder than ever to make ALL the sounds for the film. Little by little each scene comes together, follow Katy Wood, FX editor, around her department (with super-secure key card access) as she details all the things needed to make the movie sound great. Some great shots of the film in this PPD, Kong on a rampage! Theatre goers screaming for their lives! Yellow Cab goodness! Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 16Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

24 Weeks to go and the team are in overdrive getting the trailer out for the fans! PJ and his crews give us a little behind the scenes footage about the making of the trailer, the SFX needed, the miniatures, sound and more! A lot of folks write in with questions about the trailer, who cuts it together, what about the music? What about the shots? What to show (and what not to show?). Keep an eye out for our frame-by-frame analysis to make a brief cameo in this PPD as well! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 16Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

WETA Digital should sell tickets, they should setup a theme park type queue that winds through Wellington and allows eager geeks the chance to view some cool computer animation goodness. A robotic animatronic version of Richard Taylor should welcome the crowd as they enter the magical goodness that is WETA Digital...they should sell tickets at 2 thousand bucks a pop and make more money in one day than ever imagined. There should be a sign saying 'You must be THIS much of a geek to appreciate this tour'. The floors of the WETA Digital offices should be covered in foam to help break the fall of super-geeks passing out over the abundance of coolness coming out of that place at every corner...have I said enough? Have I whet you appetite for some of the amazing geeky goodness contained in this PPD? If so...take a look! [QT6 240x132px 8Mb] [QT4 320x176px 14Mb] [QT6 480x264px 18Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

With 26 weeks to go we hang out with Richard Taylor of WETA Workshop as we explore the steps to creating the amazing miniatures used for KING KONG. From the first stages of conceptual design to Peter Jackson's final approval, Richard shows us the entire process. And I bet you didn't know this: Each rock has a unique musician name...don't miss meeting the James Brown rock (named for having lots of 'grooves') and, of course, the Louie Armstrong formation (smooth with gravelly undertones). Check it out as we have only 26 weeks to go! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

With 27 weeks to go we meet Brian Van't Hul, the 'jack of all trades' on the King Kong Production. Peter quickly realized that the miniature shoot will take almost twice as long as the actual production time allowed, so Brian swooped in and lent a helping hand. There are some great VFX setup and element shots in this PD, see the green smoke! and the 'splash machine'! We also get to see what type of character Brian is (hahaha...you're fired) and we learn a little more about the very secret 'Cocktail Napkin Technology' or CNT for short. Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

With 28 weeks left to go Peter Jackson gets back to answering your questions! We've sent a few THOUSAND emails to Peter in the last few months and his team have the thankless job of printing, reading and sorting all of them for Peter to pick and choose. This week we get to look back at working on the script, when, where, and why he uses special effects, and just why does he make these production diaries in the first place! Great SFX shots, T-Rex, Kong, cast shots, and of course PJ on his editing couch. Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 7Mb] [QT4 320x176px 13Mb] [QT6 480x264px 18Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

With 29 weeks to go Peter Jackson and Jamie Selkirk give us a breakdown of the editing process. With millions of feet of film, hours of footage (you will never believe how many) how do they coordinate it all? Who is in control of all that data? Some GREAT shots from the film, and some Kong previs and model shots too! Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

The sound department is in full swing with 30 weeks to go before the premiere of King Kong. Crews are scouring Wellington to capture genuine sounds of everything under the sun. Crews are on boats, in the air (so to speak) and down in the mud (literally) getting thousands of sounds for the FX coordinators to use when mixing the film together...take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

With 31 weeks to go Andy Serkis is still working hard to capture Kong in the Motion Capture (MoCap) department. We get some amazing previews into the movements and action of Kong in this PPD! Take a look at Andy with the Naomi-Doll(TM) and his curious choice for a snack! We learn the step by step process into motion capture..and what all those little dots are for! Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Ships ahoy! And when talking about the SS Venture, I do mean ships! Alex Funke, Richard Taylor and Peter Jackson give us the details on the miniature (and super miniature) SS Venture models. Alex shows us the amazing attention to detail that are important to making the fake ship look as real as can be. Richard Taylor rocks the boat...literally, and we get to see some pre-sfx clips! Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

Peter Jackson begins his first Post Production Diary with a rundown on what we expect to see in the next 33 weeks. Principal photography may be finished yet there is still a TON of work to be completed. The Digital Department, Motion Capture, Sound Editing, VFX and more! This is the REAL nitty gritty stuff fans have been begging for since we started asking people what they would like to see in these diaries. Take a look! [QT6 240x132px 6Mb] [QT4 320x176px 12Mb] [QT6 480x264px 15Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

The Last Day of Shooting! This is both a happy and sad day as the King Kong crew prepare for the final setup, the final scene, the final 'cut!'. Andy Serkis and Naomi Watts are there to the bitter end and PJ gives his crew a great farewell treat! In return PJ gets an amazing gift, what a sweet bunch of folks! The best news is near the end...what will become of the Production Diaries??!?!?!!! Download and find out! [QT6 240x132px 5Mb] [QT4 320x176px 9Mb] [QT6 480x264px 12Mb] [Bit Torrents!]

I'm sure many of you have been wondering what will become of the Production Diaries now that Universal will be releasing them as a two-disc DVD set on the day before KING KONG opens worldwide. [Read More...]